Andrea H.
Yelp
The Cockrell Butterfly Center is part of the Natural Museum of Science complex in Houston. Fortunately, you can buy tickets as a bundle to see a variety of things or as a single item to see just one of the building exhibits.
When buying tickets, you can go to one of the many kiosks in the lobby or get in the queue to see a human. The Butterfly Center has timed entry, so you may have to wait before you can actually visit the center.
We came on a Sunday during February. We parked at Hermann Park and walked around there first before deciding to visit the Butterfly Center. The ticket kiosks were near the doors and there was no line for any of them, so we bought our tickets this way. We couldn't get in right away at 12:30 pm, but fortunately the 12:45 slot was available. During the fifteen minute wait, we visited the snack bar and then sat outside in the sun.
The ticket scanner does check your time entry and will ask you to wait if your time slot is not open yet. They can only have a certain number of visitors in the building at one time. The center is small and the pathway is somewhat narrow. For the most enjoyable experience with the butterflies, you don't want a lot of movement or crowds.
Before entering, a human will go over the rules. Again, move slowly and don't reach out and touch the butterflies. If they land on you, leave them alone. Be sure to grab a laminated butterfly identification card before entering. It can be useful for spotting the different butterflies. As a group, you will enter into a double door safe room. This prevents the butterflies from escaping outside. Since all of the butterflies are imported from Central America, it is illegal for them to be released outside.
Once inside, quickly move around the pathway to allow everyone in your group to enter so the double doors can be closed. It's hot and humid inside, so you may want to leave your extra layers and things back in the vehicle.
The pathway meanders through a lot of tropical plants. There are benches along the way where you can rest and enjoy the flutter of activity. There are some food stations for birds and butterflies as well as natural plants that attract them.
Some butterflies have a number on them. If you see one with a tag, be sure to take a picture and post it to the center's social media. These are part of a research study.
For $20, you can release a butterfly in the center. This seems like a great way for the center to make money and keep the butterfly stock up. There were lots of butterflies. I definitely felt like we got our money's worth from the visit alone, but I'm sure some people would love the ability to do the butterfly release too.
In addition to the butterflies, birds, and plants, there was also a large iguana hanging out on the wall. He didn't move while we were there, but he was fun to see. There is also a lovely waterfall and creek. It's a lovely way to spend an hour.
There are double doors at the exit too. You will have to wait for your group between the double doors for a few minutes while everyone verifies that they don't have a butterfly on them. This holding room has mirrors everywhere so you can check your backside too.
The exhibit beyond the conservatory has interesting facts about insects and butterflies. It's mostly geared for kids, but you can certainly learn something here.
In my opinion, this was a very enjoyable experience. I wouldn't have thought about coming here, but since we were in the area, it was worth the visit.